The State Historical Society of Iowa has announced new progress in its partnership with Ancestry.com, opening public access to millions of digitized archived documents—all without cost to taxpayers.
The two-year project added more than one million newly scanned records from the State Archives into Ancestry’s searchable database. These materials include vital records, Iowa National Guard enlistment files, World War I and II casualty reports, Fort Madison convict registers, and mug shots—providing researchers and genealogists with deeper insight into Iowa’s history.
“Ancestry is excited to partner with the State Historical Society of Iowa to digitize these important collections at no cost to the taxpayers,” said Jaren Akenheads, Senior Manager of Content Acquisition. “These records hold significant genealogical value for Iowans and for people around the world.”
Iowans can access the records for free through the State Historical Society’s institutional Ancestry account at the Research Center. Those with personal Ancestry subscriptions will see newly digitized material added on a rolling basis as scanning and metadata processing continues.